Panatomic X Aerecon II issues

Hi All,

I have a 3 part question and would greatly appreciate knowledgable input on any of the points.

I am a big fan of Panatomic X in 35 MM and have been shooting a lot of it in "fossil film" form. What I am wondering is:

1. Is the 5 inch wide Aerecon II version the same basic film as the discontinued 35 MM version?

2. Is there any reason why I could not cut it into 5.5 foot long strips 35 MM wide in total darkness; roll it unperforated into bulk casettes and shoot it in any of my EOS cameras (which do not have sprockets because they determine frame spacing with infrared)?

3. What in the world would be a realistic bid (standing a chance to win) given that the roll is 2004 expiry, 5 inches wide and 1000 feet long? Wow, about 500 36 exp. rolls worth!

Thanks in Advance,

Jay L.

Oldtimer Jay said:

2. Is there any reason why I could not cut it into 5.5 foot long strips 35 MM wide in total darkness; roll it unperforated into bulk casettes and shoot it in any of my EOS cameras (which do not have sprockets because they determine frame spacing with infrared)?

Click to expand...

Can't tell you about the other stuff, but save your money unless you have alternate uses. That EOS uses the IR to count sprocket holes -- eight pulses of "bright, dark" and it stops advancing. No sprocket holes, and it'll wind the whole contents of the cassette through, or refuse to wind anything at all -- not sure which, I don't own an EOS.

Other potential issue, even if you have a perforator available: many if not most aerial films have extended red sensitivity relative to their groundbound versions; the IR film sensor in your EOS might well fog the film (and if it does, might do so outside the sprocket strip you so carefully punched).

The Aerecon film is much different than the old still film. It has extended red sensitivity and higher definition and contrast (closer to TP than FX). Panatomic X Aerecon (in an earlier version) was the film used in the U2 cameras. There is a good description on the Kodak website. Panatomic X Aerecon is a very interesting film, but it isn't related to the old 35mm Panatomic X.

Thank You Gentlemen!

The knowledge and expertise available on APUG is wonderful.

At this point the issue of what it is worth becomes irrelevant. I will just keep using and enjoying what I have and buy more of the outdated 35 MM as I find it.

Thanks Again

Jay L.